SupplySync overview

SupplySync specifically addresses the inventory lifecycle and traceability needs of manufacturing and/or distribution operations that don't require the powerful labor and warehouse management features of WCS.. As needs change, SupplySync can provide an easy migration path .

The demands and complexity of shipping and receiving are increasing. Until recently the inefficiencies of information flow between shippers and receivers has not been a major concern for the food and beverage industries. However, increasing calls for customer specific barcode and RFIDRFID :
Radio Frequency IDentification

Radio Frequency IDentification tags transmit data to an RFID receiver via radio waves instead of optically as do barcodes. They have advantages over bar codes such as the ability to hold more data, the ability to change the stored data as processing occurs, does not require line-of-sight to transfer data and is very effective in harsh environments where bar code labels won't work. They have been partially required by several large organizations but they are still expensive and technically problematic.
labels and changes to FDA and Homeland Security regulations now require either a significant increase in the volume and cost of handling data - or a different approach.

SupplySync will cost effectively :

  • create shipping, receiving, and process documentation
  • allow configurable flexibility in creation of items, lots, customers, receipts, and shipments
  • reduce shipping and receiving administration cost by up to 51%
  • provide a barcode and RFID labeling subscription service
  • provide regulatory compliance and other traceability features
  • include "Instant Recall" to dramatically reduce the cost and increase effectiveness of mock or real recalls
  • preserve and, if appropriate, interface to existing technology
  • inform all designated parties of exactly what (item, lot, sub-lot, pallet, expiration date, etc) was sent and when

Powerful features are of little value if you can't incorporate them into your business. SupplySync addresses that issue with flexible interface options that allow it to link to virtually any existing ERP or accounting system.

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Shipping

The shipping related features will :

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Receiving

The receiving module will :

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barcode and RFID labeling

SupplySync provides powerful barcode / RFIDRFID :
Radio Frequency IDentification

Radio Frequency IDentification tags transmit data to an RFID receiver via radio waves instead of optically as do barcodes. They have advantages over bar codes such as the ability to hold more data, the ability to change the stored data as processing occurs, does not require line-of-sight to transfer data and is very effective in harsh environments where bar code labels won't work. They have been partially required by several large organizations but they are still expensive and technically problematic.
labeling systems, allowing users to meet both simple and the most demanding labels, BOLs, Hazox, etc. label requirements for internal and customer specific use.

With ever evolving technology, commercial, and regulatory changes to labeling requirements, the capabilities and label formats are continuously updated to keep pace.

The labeling module will :

  • provide a powerful barcode and RFID labeling printing platform
  • provide customer specific barcode and / or RFID labels
  • provide labeling subscription service with continuous updates to handle major company requirements (Walmart, Sysco, DoD, etc)
  • provide simultaneous production reporting
  • provide label management (prints, reprints, destroyed, etc)

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Inventory management

SupplySync is NOT a warehouse management system. Please see the WCS information if those features are required.

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Production

The production module will :

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qa / qc / regulatory

Records and stores receiving, production, and shipping data for FDA 306 and other traceability requirements.

Typical compliance features include :

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it and related technical issues

SupplySync is designed to minimize IT support requirements and requires little more than a low level PC and Internet access.

It will :

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Applicability

SupplySync can be linked to almost any existing business system or run as a standalone via a web browser. It is NOT necessary that the shipper and receiver be using the same ERP/business software or, in fact, any software.

While SupplySync works best if the Shipper and Receiver are both users, non-using receivers will still enjoy many of the benefits from shippers who are using SupplySync. While SupplySync will work for any shipping and/or receiving operations, it will have the strongest impact on shippers and receivers of packaged items (i.e. anything other than bulk tanks).

The Process

The process is straight forward and simple to implement.

  1. Phase I - Initial Setup
    1. Shipper's information is entered
      1. Address and contacts
      2. Internal contact and preferred data format for receiving process confirmation and records
      3. Item masters (internal item #'s, descriptions, lot control, etc)
      4. Valid customers and ship-to's or ad hoc with trace access
      5. OPTIONAL - Setup existing business systems to generate SupplySync files (can be done manually)
    2. Receiver's information is entered
      1. Address and contacts
      2. Internal contact and preferred data format for receiving process confirmation and records
      3. Valid shippers or ad hoc with trace access
      4. Item masters CROSS-REFERERENCE rules
        1. the shipper's item A is our item B,
        2. the shipper's Lot 123 translates to our SP-123
        3. pallet data, sublots, expiration dates, Units of Measure, quality data, etc
      5. OPTIONAL - Setup existing business systems to receive SupplySync files (can be done manually)
  2. Phase II - Shipping Record Processing
    1. Shipper makes a shipment - does one of the following
      1. EITHER - Enters data in internal systems and produces a SupplySync compatible file (xls, XMLXML :
        eXtensible Markup Language

        A standard for marking up data so as to clearly indicate its structure, generally in a way that indicates the meaning of different parts of it rather than how they will be displayed
        , etc) and sends to SupplySync
      2. OR - Enters shipment data directly into SupplySync via web browser
    2. SupplySync receives the Shipper's data
      1. SupplySync translates the shipper's data to the receiver's format
      2. SupplySync e-mails/FTP files to all parties in the setup (Receiving dock, QC, AP, Planning, etc)
      3. OPTIONAL - SupplySync retains a record of the transaction
  3. Phase III - Receiving Records Processing
    1. Receiver receives shipment records
      1. Receiver's business system
      2. If NO mechanism, Receiver prints out report
    2. Material arrives and depending on the Receiver's systems
      1. The Receiver accepts the load as sent by SupplySync (noting exceptions)
      2. The Receiver accepts the load on a pallet-by-pallet basis
      3. The Receiver accepts the load on a container basis
    3. SupplySync is updated with receipt verification and exceptions
      1. SupplySync informs all configured parties of the receipt /exceptions
      2. OPTIONAL -SupplySync records transaction